No one questions the importance of nutritious meals to a healthy lifestyle. However, as we age, consistently getting these meals can become challenging.
Declining mobility, depression, fatigue, or cognitive impairment can make it difficult for older adults to maintain a healthy diet. Caregivers often take on more and more of the shopping and preparation of meals, which can be a struggle.
Fortunately, grocery and meal delivery services have never been more accessible and comprehensive. In this guide, we outline a variety of services that are available to assist seniors and caregivers in planning, preparing healthy meals.
These services offer a simple and convenient way to shop for groceries. Some of the new curbside pickup or delivery option can be especially appealing to older adults with limited transportation options or caregivers that are trying to shop for more than one household.
This service is a part of Amazon Prime and is a great way to keep the pantry stocked. Prime Pantry is an excellent way to have all of your non-perishable household items delivered – groceries, snacks, beverages, cleaning supplies, beauty and grooming, nutrition and wellness, healthcare, pets, and more.
To use it, you’ll need and Amazon Prime Membership (cost is $119/year). Prime Pantry is an additional $4.99/month with free shipping on all orders over $10.
This service is a same-day shopping and delivery option. Instacart offers a personal shopper who fulfills your shopping list and typically delivers within two hours.
Instacart offers shopping and delivery services for the following stores in the metro-Detroit area.
After a free 14-day trial, Instacart is $99/year with free delivery on all orders over $35.
This service is a same-day shopping and delivery option. Shipt offers a personal shopper who fulfills your shopping list and typically delivers within two hours.
Shipt offers shopping and delivery services for the following stores in the metro-Detroit area.
After a free 14-day trial, Shipt is $99/year or $14/month with free delivery on all orders over $35.
Walmart Grocery offers free in-store grocery pickup at the same in-store prices, for orders over $30. You can use their mobile app or website to fill your cart and place an order. You get a personal shopper for free.
These services offer meal kits delivery. These services can not only alleviate the burden of shopping, but also offer some variety.
Although convenient, these programs are not intended to be a full, seven-day-a-week meal plan. You should consider is as just one component of a more extensive meal plan..
Blue Apron is one of the original meal kit providers. This service allows you to choose from one of a few menu options and dietary preferences. Then, up to three meals per week are delivered to your doorstep, in a refrigerated box, ready to cook.
Cost: $9.99 per serving (2 servings per meal), three meals per week, for a total of $59.94 per week and free shipping
Sun Basket is another meal kit delivery option that differentiates itself by emphasizing quality ingredients, including concepts like organic, antibiotic-free, no added hormones, and wild-caught seafood. They also cater to a variety of specific dietary preferences – paleo, vegan, gluten-free, carb-conscious, Pescatarian, diabetes-friendly, and many more.
Cost: $11.99 per serving (2 servings per meal), three meals per week, for a total of $71.94 per week, and free shipping.
Home Chef prides itself on variety and flexibility. This service offers up to 26 weekly recipe options and the ability to swap, upgrade, or increase protein options. With Home Chef, you have more control over selecting your meal plans and can plan and order your meals up to five weeks in advance.
Cost: $7.99 per serving with no commitment.
Purple Carrot is your simple plant-based meals option. This service is a vegan’s dream.
Cost: $11.99 per serving (2 servings per meal), three meals per week, for a total of $71.94 per week, and free shipping.
Like meal kits delivery services, restaurant delivery services are becoming a regular part of many people’s daily routines. It’s another option for making high-quality, nutritious meals accessible to seniors who have a hard time getting out or overworked caregivers.
Restaurant delivery services are a great option to sprinkle in variety and add an occasional special treat to your loved one’s meal plan.
Like the grocery and meal delivery services, there are a variety of restaurant meal delivery services. Most of them are very similar, but not necessarily available in your area or for your favorite restaurant.
Keep in mind that prices can change quickly, make sure you check with each service for current pricing models and fees.
Most of these services offer a membership, which waives fees on deliveries that meet a minimum order (typically between $10-15). Without a membership, delivery fees are anywhere from $2-10 depending on partnerships, distance, and demand.
Here are some of the more popular services:
Meal delivery services can help caregivers and seniors to get the healthy meals they need and minimize stress at the same time.
Consistent, high-quality, nutritious meals are essential for both caregivers and seniors.. Meals are also an excellent opportunity for caregivers to share quality time with their loved one.
Meals on Wheels is a home-delivered meal program that brings meals to the doors or seniors every weekday. Meals are delivered by friendly volunteers and include a hot, nutritious lunch and a cold dinner that can be warmed up later in the evening. Meals are available to seniors 60 and older who are homebound–or not able to leave their home without assistance. Caregivers can get meals as well. There are no financial eligibility requirements. A voluntary donation is appreciated, but there is no payment required. AgeWays, funds and oversees the Meals on Wheels program in the six Southeast Michigan counties we serve. We work with 13 local meal providers throughout our region. For more information on the program or how to start receiving meals, visit our Meals on Wheels page or call our Information and Assistance Telephone Line at 800-852-7795..
AgeWays Central Office
29100 Northwestern Hwy.,
Suite 400
Southfield, MI 48034
TTY: (800) 649-3777 (Michigan Relay)
Fax: (248) 262-9971
